Panera in the Highlands??

Forgive me if this is old news and has already been discussed. I looked around the site, but didn't see anything.

Tell me it isn't true....I heard Panera is going in the old ear xtacy location. I won't say I never go to Panera, but it is a rarity and I really hate to think of one in that location for so many reasons. So, I am hoping someone can set me straight and give me good news.
Jess

I thought Seviche was expanding into the old Ear X-tacy location?

Heather, that is what I had thought, too. A friend ate at Mark's the other day and they told him that Seviche was expanding a little but that Panera was taking over the rest. I can't imagine the traffic nightmare...I was so hoping a local place would go in there. I guess with rent that high only a national place can afford it.

Heather, that is what I had thought, too. A friend ate at Mark's the other day and they told him that Seviche was expanding a little but that Panera was taking over the rest. I can't imagine the traffic nightmare...I was so hoping a local place would go in there. I guess with rent that high only a national place can afford it.

Yeah I might be wrong but Yang Kee Noodle couldnt afford the spot so Panera is going in. At least it's not a McCafe or Pizza Hut or another Starbucks. It's a lesser evil.

Yes, Seviche took quarter/half and Panera is taking the rest.

It could be worse. At least it's not a check cashing joint or another cell phone store.

Itis a shame that one of those evil companies like Panera has to move into an otherwise empty storefront, provide some jobs and pay taxes. I would rather see the building set empty, get covered with graffiti and maybe burned down by some vandals. That would be much better.

Itis a shame that one of those evil companies like Panera has to move into an otherwise empty storefront, provide some jobs and pay taxes.

I don't recall what was there before, but a modern building was constructed there in the late 80s or early 90s for presumed long-term occupation by a Pier One Imports store. While most all places along the Road come at a premium for lease, many of them are a century old or near (amortized, depreciated on the books, etc. possibly apart from some additional maintenance loans over recent decades). Leasing a big chunk of this one will naturally be costly for anyone, as the previous tenant can attest. It was almost a foregone conclusion that only a regional or national chain could bankroll the occupation of the bulk of that building.

My first comment may have been a bit snarky. I just think it is a real concern when a storefront is empty in an otherwise thriving business district. I would be all for a local business to step up. The free market will decide if Panera fits with the Highlands culture. The concept is good but the lack of local feel and ownership will be a problem. The area is much more in tune with "buy" local mantra. Perhaps an offering of some of the great local beers would add some punch to their menu. Im not sure if they could or would do something like that.

My first comment may have been a bit snarky. I just think it is a real concern when a storefront is empty in an otherwise thriving business district. I would be all for a local business to step up. The free market will decide if Panera fits with the Highlands culture. The concept is good but the lack of local feel and ownership will be a problem. The area is much more in tune with "buy" local mantra. Perhaps an offering of some of the great local beers would add some punch to their menu. Im not sure if they could or would do something like that.

It's certainly a hotbed of local storefronts, but there are lots of national and regional business there as well that seem to do ok. I'm not crazy about Panera, but I think it fits in with the Highlands more than dozens of other chains in the area.

As for the last comment... I'm pretty sure Panera doesn't serve alcohol...

Annemarie
I would never suggest burning down a building for any reason. I was refering to the idea that if the building were to set empty for an extended period of time the possibility of vandalism would increase and a fire could be one of the issues. As far as Panera serving alcohol, I know they do not. It was just an idea as a way to connect with a more local flavor.

I expect that Panera will do real well in that location.

[Robin Garr]

I expect that Panera will do real well in that location.

Panera = bland, to me. Think about Panera. Think about Blue Dog. Or Lotsa Pasta bread, or even the Lexington Bluegrass Bakery bread sold at Party Source. Compare to Panera and report back. The problem with Panera isn't explicitly that it's a chain, it's the mass-produced product.

Personally, I think it's particularly irritating that they essentially lie about it, hyping their bread as "fresh-baked" but failing to mention that the "fresh-baked" loaves are made and parbaked days earlier at a central commissary in St. Louis, from which they're delivered to Louisville stores by truck.

Yeah, it's good to have a business in the Ear X-Tacy space. But I feel the same way about Panera as I do about having a Starbucks on Bardstown Road: Why homogenize one of our most characterful strips? Do we really want to see the Highlands turn into Anytown USA?

Panera = bland, to me. Think about Panera. Think about Blue Dog. Or Lotsa Pasta bread, or even the Lexington Bluegrass Bakery bread sold at Party Source. Compare to Panera and report back. The problem with Panera isn't explicitly that it's a chain, it's the mass-produced product...

Why homogenize one of our most characterful strips? Do we really want to see the Highlands turn into Anytown USA?

+1

As far as Panera serving alcohol, I know they do not. It was just an idea as a way to connect with a more local flavor.

I'm not sure what to make of a suggestion to serve local beer at a chain that does not serve alcohol at all, then. *shrug*